Generic Celebrex

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking celecoxib?

Do not take celecoxib without first talking to your doctor if you have experienced asthma, hives, or an allergic reaction after taking a sulfa-based medication such as sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Gantanol, and others) or sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin); ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin). You may experience a similar reaction to celecoxib. Before taking celecoxib, tell your doctor if you smoke; drink alcohol; have an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach; have liver disease; have kidney disease; have asthma; have congestive heart failure; have fluid retention; have heart disease; have high blood pressure; have a coagulation (bleeding) disorder or are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin).

How should I take celecoxib?

Take celecoxib exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Celecoxib can be taken with or without food or milk. Follow your doctor's instructions. Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with celecoxib to monitor progress and side effects. Store celecoxib at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; nausea; bloody vomit; bloody, black, or tarry stools; unexplained weight gain; swelling or water retention; fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash; itching; yellowing of the skin or eyes;"flu-like" symptoms; or unusual bruising or bleeding. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking celecoxib and seek medical treatment or call your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take celecoxib and talk to your doctor if you experience flatulence or diarrhea; dizziness; headache; or insomnia.

What other drugs will affect celecoxib?

Before taking celecoxib, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: Disalcid, choline salicylate-magnesium salicylate (Trilisate, Tricosal, others), and magnesium salicylate (Doan's, Bayer Select Backache Formula, others); an over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medicine that contains ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen; a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril, others), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), and others; an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), quinapril (Accupril), and others; an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, others); or fluconazole (Diflucan). You may not be able to take celecoxib, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with celecoxib. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.